The holidays in eastern Pender County don’t come with big commercial light shows. They come with a fried fish dinner on U.S. 17, a tree lighting at Kiwanis Park, and decorated boats rolling up the sound toward Soundside Park. If you live in Hampstead, Surf City, or Burgaw, or you’re thinking about moving here, the next six weeks are a great window into what everyday life feels like. Here’s what’s on the calendar for the 2026 season, based on Pender County’s official calendar, Visit Pender, and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, plus a few notes for buyers who’ll be out looking at homes this winter.
November: The Season Kicks Off in Hampstead
Nov. 4 to 11: Operation Green Light for Veterans
Pender County announced that it will light county buildings green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11 as part of Operation Green Light, a nationwide effort to honor military veterans. If you or someone you know served, our Veterans Day 2026 guide rounds up local events and homeowner resources.
Nov. 7 and 8: NC Spot Festival
The NC Spot Festival is one of Hampstead’s signature fall weekends. Visit Pender lists it from 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, through 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, in the field south of the Hampstead Women’s Club on U.S. 17, where it has been held for years. The StarNews ran a preview on Nov. 2 with dates, parking, and ticket details, and the festival’s Facebook page posts updates. Expect fried spot, live music, and heavier-than-usual traffic on U.S. 17 near the festival grounds that weekend.
Nov. 20 and 21: Movie Night and the Surf City Tree Lighting
Visit Pender lists a free showing of Elf at Soundside Park in Surf City on Friday, Nov. 20, starting at sundown, so bring a lawn chair or a blanket. The next day, Surf City lights its tree at Soundside Park. We covered that event and the rest of the island’s November calendar in our Topsail Island November guide.
December: Tree Lighting, Flotilla, and a Hometown Musical
Dec. 3: Movie Night in the Park in Burgaw
Pender County Parks and Recreation has a Movie Night in the Park on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Central Pender Park on U.S. 117 in Burgaw, according to the county calendar.
Dec. 4: Hampstead Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lighting
The county calendar lists the Hampstead Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road. As of today, the listing still says “stay tuned for more information,” so check back for the full program before you go.
Dec. 5: Christmas Market and the Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla
This is the day locals plan around. The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism lists its annual Christmas Market at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Avenue in Surf City, on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with handmade gifts, food trucks, and entertainment. That evening, decorated boats leave Bush Marina in Topsail Beach at 5 p.m. and travel the Intracoastal Waterway, arriving at Soundside Park around 6 p.m., weather permitting. Watching is free.
If you have a boat, the Chamber says all flotilla registration fees have been waived this year because of high fuel costs. Spots are first come, first served, and captains need to attend the captains’ meeting.
Dec. 8 to 18: Family Events Around the County
- Dec. 8: A Gingerbread Pirate Adventure at Hampstead Kiwanis Park from 4 to 5 p.m.
- Dec. 9 to 13: Elf – The Musical at the Hampstead Annex, 15060 U.S. 17, with evening shows Dec. 9 through 12 and afternoon shows Dec. 12 and 13.
- Dec. 18: Parked and Recreation, the county’s mobile rec program, at Long Creek Community Park on N.C. 210 in Rocky Point from 3 to 5 p.m.
All three are on Pender County’s official calendar.
Burgaw’s Parade and New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop
Burgaw usually hosts a Christmas parade around the historic courthouse square and rings in the new year with its well-known Blueberry Drop downtown. We haven’t seen 2026 dates posted from the town yet, so check the Town of Burgaw before you make plans.
Why the Holidays Are a Smart Time to Look at Pender County Homes
You See the Community, Not Just the House
Events like the tree lighting and the flotilla show you who your neighbors would be. If you’re relocating, spend a Friday night at Kiwanis Park or a Saturday at Soundside Park.
Test Your Commute in Real Conditions
U.S. 17 is the main artery between Hampstead, Wilmington, and Jacksonville, and festival weekends and holiday shopping traffic are a good stress test. Drive your future commute at rush hour. For the bigger picture on road changes, see our Hampstead Bypass update.
Winter Buyers Often Have More Room to Negotiate
Many buyers pause between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Sellers who stay on the market are often serious about moving, and you may face less competition. Every listing is different, though, so lean on current local data rather than assumptions.
Get Insurance and Flood Quotes Early
Much of eastern Pender sits near the sound, creeks, and marsh. Before you fall in love with a home, pull its FEMA flood zone and get homeowners and flood insurance quotes during your due diligence period. It’s one of the biggest variables in the cost of owning here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Topsail Area Christmas Flotilla?
The Chamber lists it for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026. Boats leave Bush Marina in Topsail Beach at 5 p.m. and arrive at Soundside Park in Surf City around 6 p.m., weather permitting. It’s free to watch.
Where is the Hampstead tree lighting this year?
Pender County’s calendar lists it at Hampstead Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road, on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Is Hampstead a good place to live year-round?
Many families choose Hampstead for its newer neighborhoods, schools, and access to both Wilmington and the Topsail beaches. The best way to know is to visit in the off-season, when you see the area as full-time residents do.
Thinking About a Move to Hampstead or Surf City?
Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating with the military, or looking for a place close to the sound, we’d love to help you find the right fit in Pender County. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and let’s talk about what you’re looking for.
